Concept and challenges: The proposed architectural solution is a unique response to four key premises: enhancing the value of the Church of Gesù, conserving and optimizing the plant heritage, optimizing trucking circulation to meet program needs, and optimizing storage and logistics needs for the PQDS.
The design features simple volumes with a façade of bronze-colored curtain walls and mullions that interact with users on Bleury Street, the public square, and Saint-Alexandre Street. A large canopy roof serves as both a park and a grand marquee, illuminating the volume below and highlighting the church's entrance. The building's setback on Bleury Street enhances the church's presence, creating a promenade that extends the forecourt. The two-story volume on Saint-Alexandre Street continues this architectural gesture, framing the external garden.
Light wells with sculptural forms provide natural light to the basement workspaces. The plant heritage is preserved, offering green spaces and a rooftop canopy park for nearby residents. Truck circulation is split, with large trucks accessing from Bleury Street and smaller ones from Saint-Alexandre Street. The Saint-Alexandre building includes a freight elevator adjacent to the loading dock for easy basement access.
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